Dr. Daniel Bielak, who recently retired after 35 years of orthopedic medicine in Clarkston, knows his practice is in good hands.

Dr. Theresa M. Thomas, DO, taking over the family practice at 5900 Waldon Road, Suite B, is a former patient.

"I love it – it's like having my own daughter take over the practice," Bielak said. "One of my dearest friends is her cousin – she comes highly recommended. And she was married on exactly the same day as my daughter. That finished the deal."

Growing up in the Clarkston area, Thomas always hoped to set up practice in her hometown.

"I have community ties here – I love Clarkston," she said. "This is where I really wanted to be."

She knew from childhood she would become a doctor.

"I was always interested in medicine – in a speech contest in fifth grade, I said I wanted to be a doctor," she said. "I wanted to help other people feel better."